New York, March 18: India abstained from a resolution on combating Islamophobia, at the United Nations General Assembly emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging religiophobia against various faiths instead of singling out one religion. The resolution, introduced by Pakistan and co-sponsored by China, aimed at addressing the growing concerns of Islamophobia globally.
The resolution, titled ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia,’ received overwhelming support with 115 nations voting in favor and none against. However, India was among the 44 countries that abstained, along with Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, and the UK.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, voiced condemnation for acts motivated by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia but stressed the importance of recognizing that religiophobia extends beyond Abrahamic religions.
Ambassador Kamboj said, “Clear evidence shows that over decades, followers of non-Abrahamic religions have also been affected by religiophobia. While the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly significant, we must acknowledge that other religions are also facing discrimination and violence.”
The General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution in 2022 proclaiming March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia underscored the global recognition of the issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted concerns over rising anti-Muslim hate and bigotry worldwide, emphasizing the need to combat hatred in all its forms to preserve societal harmony.
Some have commented that India’s abstention is also meant to play into a domestic audience that sees the present government vocal about “majority” interests and being hawkish when it comes to dealing with Pakistan.
